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11/29/13

Now that the Holiday season is officially in overdrive, today is the best time to take full advantage of all the amazing sales going on. As you know, I love to do most of my shopping online, so I plan on getting all my gifts today...while still in my PJs, no crowds or parking nightmares for me!

CODE: GIFTS30
There's a lot of great things to be found at C.Wonder, between this great sale and the $25.00 and under gift section, it's like stocking stuffer heaven! Here's what I've found so far...

Lands' End: Save 30% off your entire order.
DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 3
Preppy central, all three of my children wear school uniforms, so I'll be stocking up on basics with this amazing sale, but there's also plenty of gift ideas, like boat totes! #bestgiftever

Finally, be sure to take advantage of the amazing sale we have going on right now at zhush.com!
Use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout for 20% off all items, including sale items and free shipping on all orders over $100 starting today through Monday! Happy shopping everyone!

11/27/13

It's been a crazy week so far and it's only Wednesday...With Chanukah starting tonight at sundown, I'm thankful I'm not hosting Thanksgiving tomorrow. I'm feeling a bit burnt out and I'm planning on taking off for the holiday early and stopping to smell life's figurative roses. A long over due mani/pedi is on the agenda. Inspired by this image on Pinterest, I'm excited to try out this pretty shade, Poor Lil' Rich Girl, by Essie (don't they come up with the best names?)

I'll be spending the rest of today and tomorrow with my family. Before I sign off til' Friday, I just wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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11/26/13

When I first received a copy of The English Country House, to review here, I didn't know what to make of it. These massive ancient British estates all seemed so serious and stiff. However, it didn't take long for my my inner Anglophile, (the one that can not wait for Downton Abbey to return next season) to warm up to the idea of learning more about the history and lineage of these grand houses. Written by James Peill, with a forward by Julian Fellowes (the creator of Dowton Abbey) and beautifully photographed by James Fennell, The English Country House,
focuses on ten English country manors, the interiors, gardens, art and collections as well as the families that have held these lands, some for several centuries. I think this book would be a great gift for design enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

11/25/13

Why we love Young Huh Interiors and her blog Les Design Nerdes: If you didn't catch my previous post on why I love Young's gorgeous interior design projects, make sure to check it out. Not only does she design chic homes, but her blog posts for Les Design Nerdes are always on point.

Young’s three favorite gift items:
1.This small elephant purple bullet bowl - “You can give some holiday sparkle with any of Waylande Gregory’s dishes and boxes. Perfect for
accessorizing a coffee or side table.”
2. These mint julep cups - “I like keeping a stock of these Silver Mint Julep
Cups to give as gifts. To a holiday party, I’ll bring a hostess a little
bouquet of flowers with fir branches and berries in a mint julep cup.
I wrap the entire cup and bouquet in clear cellophane and tie with a
pretty ribbon hung with a handmade Christmas ornament.”
3.This fab acrylic block monogram necklace - “My blog partner Audrey and I gave
each other these Moon and Lola necklaces with our blog monogram LDN.
Anything monogrammed is such a wonderful gift because you’ve taken time
to personalize it. I love all the monogram possibilities at zhush!”

What is Young’s favorite holiday tradition?
“We go to Michigan to spend Christmas with my parents. On Christmas Eve, we decorate the tree while my mother
prepares a gorgeous meal of turkey or prime rib. We all have hot
chocolate stirred with a candy cane and sing holiday songs. After
dinner, we bake and decorate Christmas cookies using the Silver Palate shortbread hearts recipe. The kids assemble a
plate of their best cookies for Santa along with a glass of milk and
carrots for the reindeer. Later on I have a terrible time getting them to bed because they are so excited and pumped on sugar! When we
finally get them to sleep, my husband and I spend hours wrapping
presents. Even though the kids do not believe in Santa Clause anymore, he insists that we have separate Santa gifts wrapped in different paper
and cards written in Santa’s hand. (As the night wears on, Santa’s
writing starts looking like Mom’s!) We put the gifts around the tree and
eat Santa’s cookies (leave crumbs), drink the milk and take bites out
of the carrots. What compels us to leave evidence of Santa’s visit for
non-believing and now much older children- I can’t explain beyond habit
and tradition. Exhausted, my husband and I stumble into bed, hopefully
with our teeth brushed, to dream of sugarplum fairies and snowflakes. When the kids wake up Christmas morning, they make us laugh by still
going through the charade of saying, ‘Look! Santa ate the cookies and
the reindeer ate the carrots!’ ”

The start of a fresh new week is the perfect time to showcase some of zhush.com's newest arrivals. I'm crazy about each and every one of these, but thosebrass hands are pretty fab in person. Also fresh and exciting around here is a new series, "The Gift List" (which will be rolling out later today). This series will focus on some of my favorite bloggers, their zhush.com
gift picks, their businesses and holiday traditions. The hope is that through
this limited series you'll find some great new blogs and see some
inspiring gift ideas too! I even ventured out of the design world with a
few...

I can't get my head around the fact that Chanukah starts this week, and then it's Thanksgiving. In a literal blink it's going to be black Friday~so we've been busy as can be around here getting the site ready with all the new arrivals (and if you see something you like, check back here on Friday morning for a special discount code that will be good from this Friday, November 29, 2013 right through the weekend and including Cyber Monday, which puts us at December 1, 2013!). In addition to my own shop I'll be sure to have a round up of all the fabulous Black Friday sales, deals and codes at all my favorite online gift and fashion destinations. I'm planning on staying in my PJs and getting all my shopping done this Friday!

11/22/13

The men in my life are not too hard to shop for, with my seven year old son being the easiest of them all...a few Lego kits, some Star Wars related items, I can even sneak in some cute clothes, as long as he's tearing open gifts, he's a happy little guy. My Dad and my brother don't trip me up too much either, I know that food related gifts are always a hit (with me too). Plus, I tend to shop a lot of "couples" gifts these days, so my Dad gets grouped with my Mom and my brother with my sister-in-law. (things likecheese boards, warm, cozy throws, coffee table books...do you do this too?) This leaves the hardest on the list, Mr. Zhush. Not into jewelry or cologne, fancy clothes or gadgets...here's where my list stands...

1. This cashmere knit hatis simple and soft and reversible too...like two hats in one!

2. Time to get rid of that ridiculous George Castanza wallet and trade up to this sleek concept.

11/21/13

I recently came across these stunning images over at Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles of Suzanne Kasler's glamorous bedroom. The unabashedly feminine and fashionable style of this room, right down to the framed fashion show invites, brought to mind an ongoing conversation that I've been having with some of my friends about how our own bedrooms are becoming the new fitting rooms. Essentially, in our over scheduled lives, it's hard to deny the convenience of online shopping, especially for clothes. The consensus within our group was that the majority of us prefer to shop on the internet for fashion. In fact, the only friends that were not really on board with this concept yet, were the ones that live in New York City...given their proximity to so many amazing stores, it's easy to see why.

But for someone like me, who lives in a very rural town (albeit an hour north of Manhattan, but trust me it's crazy small) sites like Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Saks.com have been literal life savers. Maybe I'm a bit biased towards the online world (as a blogger and a small e-shop owner) but it's gotten to the point that I prefer to try on clothes in my own home, with my own accessories at hand. Especially if I'm shopping for a big event or in my immediate case, an upcoming holiday party. I know that I can order up a selection of outfits (like this chic LBD and this jumpsuit, both en route to me right now) in minutes (as opposed to hours) they'll be delivered in days and if they don't fit, that free shipping return label insures it goes right back.

What do you think, are our own bedrooms the new fitting rooms? Even if you have no opinion on this pressing matter, the rest of Suzanne's stunning bedroom is worth checking out~

11/20/13

As someone who's almost always cold (I bring cardigans with me wherever I go, even in the summer) layering up is my best defense against the elements here in New York. Given how erratic the temps have been this fall, dressing in layers is not only fashionable but practical as well. I've already posted a few of my favorite ways to layer up a warm and stylish outfit, like wearingfur vests (seen here and here) throwing on a cute chambray top with an over sized poncho (seen here) and of course the always reliablecashmere cardi (here).

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11/19/13

Why just limit things to golden rings? There seems to be an abundance of amazing looking gift ideas all decked out in what clearly is the color of the season. And, I'm really feeling the whole gold, brass, bronze thing these days.

Of course, golden rings are also pretty fabulous too...like this rose gold one over at Net-a-Porter (hint, hint) or this super chic (and very budget friendly) fashion jewelry piece ... I'm loving the idea of wearing either one as a pinky ring. Are you having a golden moment too?

First off, the cover of this creative book draws you right in with it's fun and bright yellow ikat pattern and the unforgettable interiors within it's pages will keep you there. I might be a bit bias because I absolutely adore ikats, suzanis and quirky, eclectic artwork, but if you do too, then this book is for you. (It would make a really amazing gift too!)

Nordstrom is holding one of its biggest sales. My plan here is to get some gifts for the hard to shop for men in my life, this cocktail shaker and some long sleeve fleeces (both on sale) are both on my short list. Annoyingly, I paid full price for this Theory cashmere cardigan just last month, and of course its marked down now...I got it in gray and it's one of my new faves. (fyi: if your interested, typically I wear a medium in most things, but it runs a bit big and the small fits great with room to spare)

Finally, later today I'll be checking out the sales over at J.Crew and Club Monaco, I know both are doing big mark downs on sale items and sweaters respectively, but I haven't had a minute to look anything over...have you? Let me know if I've missed anything good in the comments.

11/15/13

I'm pretty sure it was Goop that led me over to Jessica Seinfeld's cooking site, Do It Delicious, which then led me to what I'm hoping will be a life saver for me this Holiday season and beyond, Jessica's latest cook book, The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified!While the title might be a tad dramatic, I kind of relate to it. The fact is, I don't like to cook, I'm not particularly good at cooking and I actually feel a bit bad about this. I'm also terrible at meal planning and grocery shopping... Jessica's book has some great tips as to how to get a handle on this (elusive to me) skill set.

I'm determined to turn things around over here, so I'll be trying out some very basic recipes (I'll keep you posted on those). I'm going to invest in a few key pieces, like a wooden cutting board and a French Oven, as one pot dishes seem the most practical and seasonal. I've polled some of my kitchen whiz friends and observed others first hand, and now I plan on upgrading a few tired and rusted essentials...new baking sheets (and silpats) tongs, some real mixing bowls and a proper roasting pan too (no more disposable aluminum tins). Last year I upgraded to some fancy knives and All-Clad pots and it did seem to improve things. Am I missing any other key things? Wish me luck!

11/14/13

Today I have a question for you...when it comes to buying the gifts for everyone on your Holiday list, what do you prefer to shop for? As a small e-shop owner, I'm trying to figure out the next steps for my business and what areas I should be focusing on more in 2014 and beyond. Do you prefer to shop for gifts for the home, like candles and frames or do you prefer to buy more personal items, like gloves, jewelry and clothing? And, perhaps, more importantly, if you had to choose...what type of gifts do you prefer to receive?

I'll get the ball rolling with my own answer...I think when it comes to fashion accessories and clothing, I like to pick these things out myself (exhibit A, below;) ). As far as decorative items, frames, throws, candles and coffee table books are my absolute favorite things to give and to receive. Actually, edible and home made gifts rank pretty high up there for me as well... but that's a post for another day. I'd love to hear your thoughts on gifts and giving. Thanks!

11/13/13

The dramatic drop in temps here in New York (not to mention snow yesterday) coupled with my need to get some Holiday shopping done (Chanukah starts on November 27th!) has my mental wish list of warm and cozy things on overdrive. It happens every year, the more I shop for others, the more I'm exposed to things I want all for myself.

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11/12/13

As someone that truly admires Aerin Lauder's relaxed but elegant style (for years and years) from Aerin's glamorous Manhattan offices to her Aspen, Long Island and Manhattan homes, to say that I was excited to receive an advance copy of her book, Beauty at Home*and then review it here today would be an understatement. I literally flipped out over each and every image when Beauty at Home
arrived in the mail last week. I really love how Aerin Lauder is taking the design and fashion world by storm with her chic and well edited home collections and her new fabulous fashion and beauty lines. Simply put, I'm a big fan. This book is destined to become one I turn to again and again for inspiration, it's really already a favorite.

11/11/13

It's been almost exactly thirteen years to the day that we moved in to our home here in the burbs...a fact that I can hardly believe. We've done a lot of work on this house (you can read about this here) but our family room, the very first room that we decorated when we moved in, is now in need of a serious overhaul. Thirteen years ago, I was really into everything Pierre Deux. Do you remember this company, they had a store on Madison Avenue in NYC? It was very popular at the time and I recall loving the whole French Provencial thing, yellows, blues, paisley, toile and all. Well, as far as I know, this store no longer exists and while I still love Provence, our family room is tired, to say the least.

My first thought was to spruce up the room by adding some modern touches throughout, but after going over my endless pin boards and seeing where my taste truly lies, (which Pinterest is really great for!) I think I need to reign those mid-century mod ideas in a bit. It's clear to me, especially after re-visiting Schulyer Samperton's beautiful and inspiring portfolio (a few of my faves are up here today) that I'm really more traditional than I thought. A mix of styles with an emphasis on traditional is really my true comfort zone, what's yours? I'd love to hear...

11/8/13

Inspired by all the blogs I read on a weekly basis, and no doubt by this book, (that I just reviewed here) I can't stop thinking about adding more Chinoiserie touches to my home. I've always loved blue and white Chinese pottery. The few basic pieces I acquired in my twenties, are truly the only things from that time in my life when my taste was still being formed that I actually still love to this day. In fact, I think this consistency somehow makes me love them all the more. The classic appeal of these items really lies in they way they work so beautifully with so many different design eras. What are you on the hunt for these days?

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11/7/13

This weekend marks the three year anniversary for zhush.com! Last week, the four year blogging anniversary for The Zhush took place on October 29th... in many ways, it's hard for me to remember a time when I wasn't blogging or working on the store, and in other ways, it feels like I'm still such a newcomer to this whole online world. The highs (and even the lows) of running a small online business in addition to blogging full time have, on most days, filled my life with so many learning moments, so many new and exciting opportunities not to mention so many new friends!

As a thank you to my readers and customers, today only, we are offering a promo discount code for twenty percent off everything in the store...use this code at check out: threeyear and get a head start on all your holiday shopping! In addition, we are giving away one chic Fox cuff and one fabulous gold leather pouch to one lucky winner! Just follow the directions in the Raffle-Copter widget below and we'll choose one lucky winner on Monday. Give them as gifts or keep them to zhush up your outfits for all those upcoming Holiday soirees! Thanks and good luck!

11/6/13

My desire to accessorize my outfits this fall with one bold, gold cuff has reached the tipping point. First it was the image above, spotted on Pinterest (of course) featuring this stunning cubist Pierre Hardy piece that had me convinced I needed to own (at least) one singular outstanding cuff, stat...then at a recent lunch, one friend showed up in the chicest, understated head to toe, navy ensemble, the only accessory she wore was, you guessed it, an amazing gold cuff, this one to be exact. Now I feel like I'm noticing these standout baubles everywhere, from designer to discount and they're all calling my name. Decisions, decisions...

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11/5/13

Back when I first started this blog (four years ago, almost exactly, to the date!) Jennifer Bole's blog, The Peak of Chic, was one of the very first design blogs I'd ever read. In fact, I think of Jennifer as the pioneer of all design blogs. So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that Jennifer was writing a book! Equally exciting, getting to review a copy here today...

Jennifer's focus inIn with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z, is mainly on the details of traditional 20th Century design. This clever book reads like an encyclopedia for stylish living. Jennifer gives the history and details the use of many popular design elements, like campaign furniture, all things Chinoiserie, Lucite, bar carts and my favorite ~ monograms, just to name a few. In addition to helpful tips for decorating with these charming accents, Jennifer also included a beautiful photograph or an original illustration (done by her own sister) for each entry. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about interior design.

11/4/13

I first discovered the enchanting designs of Mariah O'Brien Interiors over the summer, but given the decidedly fall feeling I got from these images, I decided to wait until November to fully stalk this talented designer here properly. I hope you enjoy these well edited rooms as much as I do!

11/1/13

This weekend, for most of us, daylight savings time ends and we get another hour of sleep. While I welcome anything and everything that enables me to sleep longer, the truth is I can not stand the whole daylight savings time concept. Starting this weekend, the days will not just be getting colder, but shorter as well...cue my seasonal affective disorder. I jokingly (not jokingly) bid farewell to most of my friends as I'm known to become a bit more of a hermit in the winter months.

And, then there is the whole issue of my precious sleep cycle getting disrupted. Whenever we turn back or forward the clocks, like the princess and the proverbial pea, I feel a bit uncomfortable and out of sorts for several days. I treasure my sleep...one of the greatest lessons I've learned as a parent to date is that sleep is. everything, for you and for them...everything. Too little sleep can have a detrimental effect on your mood, weight, immune system, memory...the list goes on and on. Here are my tried and true tips for getting a good night's sleep, I'd love for you to share any that you think I might've left out!